Sunday, January 12, 2025: First Sunday After the Epiphany

 


I was reminded that today in the church calendar is the baptism of the Jesus.  While I don't remember ANYTHING about my baptism (since I was less than 6 months old but a photo shows my mother wearing a light blue suit with me in her arms just outside the church's back do), I DO remember a few things about my son's baptism.  Although it was almost 20 years ago, so my memories are a little dim and once again I rely on photos to guide me.

Our son was baptized on the first Sunday of Advent.  It was right after Thanksgiving (as it usually is).   He did not wear a "traditional" christening gown (like the other baby that was baptized that day), but my mother had purchased a 3 piece outfit for him that we struggled to get our 3 month old in:  a button down shirt, corduroy pants and a pull over sweater vest.  A style that he continues (sometimes) to wear.  I don't think he wore shoes.  (Rest assured, he wears them now!  It was just that when he was tiny shoes were not a thing for us. More of a hassle than they were worth.)  He was handsome (as he is now and always will be...that is just a fact.)  He didn’t have much hair.  (Something that has definitely changed over the years.  Who would have thought that the fuzzy headed baby/toddler would someday had thick locks?)

We sat towards the front of the church.  My husband in a suit and tie and me in a skirt/jacket set that I had purchased (and worn) for my 10th high school reunion.  I would have usually have been in the choir on a Sunday, but not this one.

I don't remember much of the service.  I certainly don't remember the sermon!  (Sorry).  My son was one of two boys that were baptized that day.  My husband held him as we stood in front of the church.  And at one point, our son reached out for me and I held his hand. (I have the photo to prove that.)  Again, I don't remember much of the proceedings.  But I was (and am) glad that the two ministers who presided over it were the same two who presided over our marriage.  (They will always hold a special place in my heart...even though both of them are now retired.)  I know that "Aunt Julie" (the associate pastor) held our son in her arms after she had baptized him and walked him down the aisle so all could see him.

We stood, along with the other family, with the pastors at the end of the service, so that the attendees could greet us as they left.  I know my husband wasn't thrilled with that.  In his mind, so many people, so many germs.  He wasn't wrong, I think our son came down with a cold shortly thereafter.

After everyone had left the sanctuary, we posed for the "required" photo.  We didn't stay for the traditional coffee hour.  Instead we went home, where my husband changed and then we headed to my parent's house where they hosted a luncheon in our son's honor.  I'm pretty sure I didn't really eat, but I did drink a mimosa (or two) that my mother had prepared with Pearly Bay Celebration sparkling wine.  (I keep searching for it, but I have had difficulty finding it in recent years...It became a favorite of my mothers.)  By the time everyone left, my son was passed out on the sofa in the "den" (aka tv room) next to my husband.  (Who I am pretty sure was also exhausted.)

I look back on the photos of that day.  So many who were there that special day are no longer with us.  Not just my parents, but choir member that I sang with for years and friends/neighbors who I grew up with.  I realize now how important it was for them to be there on that day.  How glad I am that they were.  And how grateful I am that there are photos to preserve those memories.

Having my son baptized in the same church where I was an expected ritual.  I didn't give it much thought then.  I do now.  I did not take him to church really when he was very little.  I brought him later more for socialization purposes.  He was a shy little boy.  The church, because of its members and friends, helped him to grow as a Christian and as a person, without anyone realizing it!  As a young man, who is now (temporarily) filling in for the Sexton who was there that day (as well as the day I first brought him to church), I realize how important that day and this journey really is.  While I can't say that because he was baptized he became the person he is, I can say that it was one of many steps that has helped shape him.  For that, I say thank you and amen.



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